First Academy 32, Seffner Christian 27

Tribune staff

Published: November 9, 2013

Updated: November 9, 2013 at 12:02 AM

BRANDON — Seffner Christian fell one game short of playing in the program’s first championship game Friday when it lost to visiting First Academy in the semifinals of the Sunshine State Athletic Conference playoffs.

Seffner Christian entered the playoffs as the No. 1 seed in the South Division, while First Academy was the second seed in the North.

The Crusaders end the season 8-2, the best record in the program’s short history.

Seffner Christian had an opportunity to take the lead in the fourth quarter when it advanced inside the First Academy 20-yard line, but turned the ball over on downs with just over two minutes remaining.

Marcus Richardson rushed for 109 yards and two touchdowns on 14 carries while Caleb Newman rushed 61 yards with a touchdown for Seffner Christian. Newman also passed for 59 yards with a touchdown.

Orlando Christian Prep will face First Academy in the conference championship next week.

tbo (Tampa Bay Online) provides local news and information for Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater and communities throughout Tampa Bay. Originally published by The Tampa Tribune, tbo is now among the portfolio of brands powered by the Tampa Bay Times.